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Primary health care

The Declaration of Alma-Ata states that primary health care is essential health care based on scientifically sound and socially acceptable methods, universally accessible to individuals and families with their full participation at a cost that the community and country can afford in a spirit of self-reliance and self-determination.

The ultimate goal of primary health care is better health for all. WHO has identified five key elements to achieving that goal:

universal coverage to reduce exclusion and social disparities in health;